Under a brilliant blue sky this past October, a group of marine industry journalists and boating fans had gathered around the transom of an imposing cabin cruiser. Two Boston Whaler executives, President Nick Stickler and Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Jeff Vaughn, stood in the boat’s expansive cockpit, microphones in hand. “Thank you for being here today…” Stickler began. The audience members shuffled their feet in anticipation and shielded their eyes against the Florida sun.

They had all gathered for one primary reason: to witness the brand-new 325 Conquest, making its world premiere alongside the new 405 Conquest at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Together, the boats symbolized the start of an exciting chapter for the Unsinkable brand.

“The 405 Conquest and 325 Conquest mark the next evolution for the series, bringing comfort and capability to a whole new level,” said Stickler. “These models exemplify our commitment to excellence and innovation. They feature an array of design breakthroughs that elevate comfort and capability.”

Deemed “SUVs of the Sea” for their impressive versatility and rugged sophistication, the 405 and 325 Conquest deliver “no excuses” performance paired with luxury touches that encourage entertaining and overnighting. Designed to empower epic offshore fishing runs as well as comfortable multi-day cruises, they offer inviting cabins, inventive seating, purposeful amenities and seamless performance.

“The bold, cutting-edge design of the new Conquests wasn’t done by happenstance,” said Vaughn. “It was done because our team knows how to sit down with consumers, to find out what they want, to understand what they want, and execute it to the highest standards.”

Notably, the 325 and 405 Conquest give boaters an enhanced sense of connection with the water, thanks to features like a full-beam windshield and restyled side glass that provide unobstructed visibility. The boats also include a dive door with removable ladder that makes it easy for anglers to drag large catches onto the deck, or for swimmers and divers to climb back onboard.

It wouldn’t be a new Whaler without some sort of ingenious twist on seating, and the Conquests are no exception. Breakthroughs include a portside companion lounge with hidden table that converts to multiple positions, providing loads of versatility for entertaining, dining, conversing or napping. The 405 features an adjustable bow chaise lounge with its own personal stereo system, creating an inviting zone that maximizes outside space.

Both boats feature a well-appointed helm deck wet bar complete with a sink, refrigerator (optional on the 325), and storage, making it easy to host a crowd. The 405 Conquest also features a highly customizable transom prep area, with several options for fishing and entertaining.

“We understand that not everyone wants to fish, but a lot of customers want to have that option,” Vaughn. “The 405 is uniquely customizable based on the range of activities desired.”

Below deck, the cabin of each new Conquest will herald a return to overnighting for many boaters. The 405 features a private master stateroom and guest sleeping quarters, an enclosed head with separate shower, a convenient galley and more. Luxury touches include a rain shower and an innerspring mattress. The 325 includes a convertible V-berth sleeping/dining area and guest accommodations, and both boats feature a full-height hanging locker and premium finishes throughout.

Meanwhile, the Conquests’ hull was redesigned from the keel up, delivering greater stability. The optional Seakeeper gyro-stabilization system virtually eliminates boat roll while at rest. Underway, the standard 300-hp Mercury Verado engines — quads on the 405; dual on the 325 — with optional Joystick Piloting provide impressive power and control.

The new Conquests were the first boats to come out of the recently opened Brunswick Boat Group Technology Center. Located at Whaler’s global headquarters in Edgewater, Florida, the BBGTC houses a formidable team of boat product development, engineering and design experts, all working together to expand the possibilities for the marine industry and improve the future of boating.

Between the unveiling of the 325 Conquest, the premiere of the 405 Conquest and the abundance of new technology on display, the 2019-2020 boat show season started off with a bang. And with Boston Whaler’s continued focus on innovation and excellence, boaters can look forward to many exciting chapters ahead.